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Phil 112 Essay 3

History Of Ethics (California State University Sacramento)

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History of Ethics

A Comparative Analysis Between Hume and Aristotle

Introduction:

Hume and Aristotle are both influential philosophers who critique morality in terms of

how we should live and what factors we should consider when making our individual decisions.

Although they both touch base on the same topic, we are able to see two completely theories

produced by each. Hume perceives reason as, “the slave of the passions,” whereas Aristotle

holds the view of rationality overseeing these passions. We will see throughout this critique both

philosophers acknowledge reasons and passions yet they will shed light and value one concept

over the other. We will examine and dissect the differing opinions of the two philosophers. By

the end of this essay, I will be able to critique and come to an consensus as to why Aristotle’s

proposed theory is more acceptable and applicable today.

Summary:

As we have previously assessed Aristotle view on morality, we have observed his

approach consists of meeting the mean between extremes and deficiency. With Aristotle's theory,

the laws in regards to morality are not set. In this case we are reaching the middle of ground

based on the situation presented at hand in the moment. This theory is showcased in his books of,

“Nicomachean Ethics.” An example presented in his reading consists of the virtue of courage.

Courage is used as a perfect example because it showcass itself to be the middle ground between

cowardice and rashness. When showing too much cowardice, you are unable to face fear whereas

having too much rashness may possibly lead you to dangerous situations. We can observe

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through Aristotle’s theory the inclusion of both passion and rationality. Although both are

presented, Aristotle’s overall thesis is to argue rationality oversees our passions when it comes to

our decision making.

In Hume’s “A Treatise of Human Nature, Book 3 : of The Passions,” we are to perceive

passions into two different categories, ideas and impressions. “Those perceptions, which enter

with most force and violence, we may name ​impressions​; and under this name I comprehend all

our sensations, passions and emotions, as they make their first appearance in the soul. By ​ideas​ I

mean the faint images of these in thinking and reasoning; such as, for instance, are all the

perceptions excited by the present discourse, excepting only, those which arise from the sight

and touch, and accepting the immediate pleasure or uneasiness it may occasion.” (SBN1, Hume)

Hume’s primary focus is to view passions as an impression more so than as an idea. By

impression we are referring to “lively and vivid perception.” There is a cause and effect

relationship between our passions, actions, and decision making. Hume advocates our passions

are the reasons why we act, it is not due to our reasoning. Our reasoning is influenced solely

from our passions. “Moral condemnation and approval arise from feelings alone, which are

uniquely capable of motivating us to act.” (Hume,41)” In his perspective, virtues are those that

bring us to feel pleasure and viciousness are those that cause us to feel uneasiness. The overall

goal of an individual is to live virtuous and this can be accomplished by feeling what pleases us.

Critique:

When analyzing the two different theories amongst Aristotle and Hume, I would have to agree

more so with Aristotle. He provides a more logical account which balances our rational aspect of

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ourselves without completely disregarding our passions. Although Hume has provided us with a

very thoughtful and intriguing theory, it would only be beneficial based on what exact emotion

we are feeling. For example the positive passions such as love and pleasure proposes itself as an

advantage because these are qualities we as human beings strive to feel majority of the time. We

need to realize these aren’t the only emotions instilled in us as we also deal with the more

negative ones such as hate or jealousy. With these negative passions, Hume’s theory wouldn’t be

relevant when making decisions. It would be nice if we could base majority of our decisions

solely on passions which would allow us “live our best lives,” and be care free but this is not

always the case to produce the best outcome. To act rational we are to step back from the

particular situation and asses what is the best thing to do in that moment. When acting on our

passions or emotions, it can guide us to a darker light. An example I have in mind is a husband

who is highly upset with his wife. If he were to act on his feelings he could possibly hurt her and

face consequences of his own. The rational thing for him to do again would to take a step back

from the situation and evaluate it overall. In this case the conception of passions and feelings

propose itself to be negative and a disadvantage. Aristotle accounts for a good balance of both

passions and rationality. Given the same scenario with the angry husband, Aristotle’s approach

would result in the best outcome of the situation. It is very much important for individuals to

conform to rational decision making. As we are to come to a middle ground for situations we

face, we would probably result more so in contentment rather than regret. If we completely had

to opt out one, I would say rationality oversees passions. Especially within our society today, we

are to abide by the many laws which teach us how to conform to the morality and ethics.

Aristotle's theory could be accepted universally and deems itself to be objective in comparison to

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Hume. With Hume, the way we view and feel things may be different to another individual yet

meeting the means between extremes draws us closer to what we value as society.

Works Cited:

Hume, David. “Davidhume.org.” ​Texts - A Treatise of Human Nature (1739-40)​,

www.davidhume.org/texts/thn.html​.

Hume, David. “A Treatise of Human Nature, by David Hume.” ​A Treatise of Human Nature, by David

Hume : B3.1.2​, y 3ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/h/hume/david/h92t/B3.1.2.html.

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